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Sunday 30 June 2013

Come face to face with wildlife at Kaziranga

Situated in Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is a World Heritage Site, as it is home to two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceroses. This expansive national park contains the highest density of tigers and is inhabited by wild water buffalo, swamp deer and elephants. It is also regarded as an important site for the conservation of birds. The park was established in 1904 when the wife of then Viceroy of India could saw that the number of single rhinoceros were reducing drastically. The park displays diverse kind of landscape including tall elephant grass, broadleaf forests, marshland as well as 4 rivers flowing in a criss-cross manner. 
 
The main attractions of this national park is undoubtedly the one-horned Rhinoceros and therefore one can opt for a jungle safari to view the exotic creatures of the wild. Besides, the famous one-horned rhinoceros, one will also come across the Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, deer, otters, Indian gaur, jackal, wild Indian boar etc. Some of the most beautiful species of birds can be spotted at this park such as grey-headed fishing eagle, Indian roller, black kite, storks, Bengal florican, palla’s fishing eagle etc. Bird watchers will definitely enjoy the experience of discovering some of the more rare and beautiful species of birds.
Sightseeing in Kaziranga is about discovering and getting to view from close quarters the magnificent creatures of the wild. One of th best ways to view the beasts of the wild is through a safari. You can choose between an elephant safari or a jeep safari. There are certain parts of the park where it will only be possible to visit on an elephant, hence it is better to enjoy a combination of both. The elephant safari is best enjoyed in the wee hours of the morning when it is easier to spot a variety of animals and if luck favors then it is possible to even spot a tiger. Elephant safari in Kaziranga passes by Mihimukh, Hole Path, Arimarah, Kohora-Central path and Baguri. 
 
Jeep safari is the other mode of transport through which you can enjoy an amazing experience through the jungles. Early in the morning or during early afternoon are the best times to go on a jeep safari. The jeep safari takes you through most parts of the jungle thereby allowing you to explore different species of animals and birds. Some of the areas that the jeep safari covers include Agarotoli Range, Burapahar Range, Kohora Range, Bagori Range and Panbari Reserved Forest. Even though Kaziranga National Park can be visited all throughout the year, the best time to visit the park is between mid-November and early April. This is the perfect time to visit the park due to the pleasant climatic conditions. 
 
Besides the national park, there are some more sights in and around Kaziranga. Some of these include Panbari Forest Reserve, Kakochang Waterfalls, Kalyani Mandir, Akadohia Pukhuri, Borchapori Tea Gardens etc. These are just some of the other attractions that one can visit as well.

Tuesday 18 June 2013

A Visit To A Wildlife Sanctuary In Gujarat Is Among The Top Things to Do While On Holiday In The State

Gujarat, a state in western India is a favorite destination for those interested in art and craft and it is also well known for its unique cuisine. There is another reason why Gujarat is a popular holiday destination and that is because of its many National Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries. Wildlife enthusiasts from across the world and from all corners of India come here to experience its varied and diverse wildlife. Experts in wildlife including bird and marine life can find rare species here to study. The wildlife in Gujarat is spread across its grasslands, its deciduous forests that vary between both dry and wet ones, wetlands and even marine ecosystems. A layman interested in the wildlife that India has can also get to see a wide variety of species this way. In Gujarat these natural habitats were converted into sanctuaries in order to preserve many species that were on the verge of extinction.

Wildlife in Gujarat has gained a boost in the last couple of years with the numbers of the Asiatic Lion increasing in the Gir Forest which is a very popular sanctuary and tourist attraction. With a tour for wildlife in Gujarat one can easily view the majestic Asian Lion, leopards, wild asses, sloth bears, the four horned antelope, black bucks, the Indian Bustard and many others. The awe inspiring Rann of Kutch is also home to the world’s largest flamingo grounds. There are so many convenient package tours that one can take to view the wildlife in Gujarat. These packages can include more than one wildlife sanctuary or national park and there are options to stay within these parks as well. Wildlife in Gujarat is also thrilling when seen with the help of an experienced guide and a jungle safari. Viewing these magnificent beasts especially the endangered Asian Lion is an unforgettable experience and seeing him or a pride of lions in their own habitat is worth making the trip for.

Another mention among the options for wildlife in Gujarat is the Nal Sarovar Bird Santuary. This is very close to the capital Ahmedabad and while there are many recreational activities here what stands out is the lake that stretches to almost 100 kms and is home to an incredible number of 210 species of birds, many of them migratory. Winters are a great time to visit and one is sure to see birds like Geese, cranes, fishing eagles, osprey, the Brahmani duck, storks, herons and so many more. Choose from options like the Gir National park, the Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife sanctuary, the Marine national park, the Essore sloth bear sanctuary etc. Viewing the wildlife in Gujarat is a good way to spend a vacation and is also a good way to help our future generations to respect and guard these species.

Monday 17 June 2013

Kaziranga – A Sanctuary That The Wildlife Call Home

Assam is the gateway to the Northeast of India and is a culturally rich state with art and music as its lifeline. There is a lot that Assam has to offer but what has made it world renowned is the Kaziranga National Park that is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kaziranga is known not only as the best wildlife parks in India but also as a home to large numbers of wild buffalo and is where two thirds of the worlds one horned Indian rhinoceroses can be found. There is also a large population of tigers here and one can also see swamp deer and wild elephants. This national park is spread over a region of 430 sq kms and the best way to get about in the park is with an elephant safari in Kaziranga. This is also the most sensible option as large tracts of the park are through swampy areas and are covered with tall elephant grass so an elephant safari is safe and convenient. Kaziranga is also renowned as it has shown a significant success in wildlife conservation when compared to other sanctuaries in India. 
 
The elephant safari in Kaziranga is also its USP and one needs to book in advance to avoid being disappointed. Kaziranga has 4 rivers crisscrossing it and this adds to the swampy nature of the terrain. The park is closed from mid April to September because the monsoons make it inaccessible and the best time to visit is during January to April. An elephant safari in Kaziranga is available early in the mornings and there is something in the slow sway of the ride that lulls you and helps you to appreciate the forest better. An elephant safari in Kaziranga gives visitors a glimpse of the jungle as it wakes to a new day. The elephants are trained and move slowly and silently through the trails and it is very often that one can view rhinos, buffalos and many species of birds on the ride. 
 
Staying at the tourist lodges nearby will ensure that you are there for your elephant ride in Kaziranga on time. The elephants do not go out in the afternoons as the temperature is high and the humidity is high as well. One can easily arrange for accommodation and an elephant ride in Kaziranga online while planning a holiday here. As custodians of this planet it is up to each of us to ensure that each of its creatures is allowed to flourish and live on for generations. In spite of the deterioration of the natural habitat of many animals, conservation in many forms helps to maintain their numbers and each of us can do our bit as well.